Hoosiers in the NFL – Tevin Coleman

Recent Indiana University graduate Tevin Coleman stepped into Falcons camp as a rookie this season knowing it could be difficult to lock down a permanent place lined up behind QB Matt Ryan.

During his last season in college, Coleman was flashy in Cream & Crimson rushing for just over 2000 yards, more than doubling his season total from the year before, on top of hitting the end zone for 15 total TDs. Of course it helps that Coleman, a 2014 Consensus All-American, more than doubled his total amount of carries from 131 to 270, but the yardage he racked up only tells part of the story for Coleman, who put in far more work than was seen by the public’s eye.

Jul 31, 2015; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) waits for a pass during training camp at Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Coleman couldn’t help the Hoosiers reach a bowl in his last year, but he did help push his stock through the roof as a candidate for the 2014 Doak Walker Award given to the best running back in college football that year. Coleman eventually lost out to Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon, who also had over 2000 yards (2,587 to be exact), but still made a run at the NFL Draft.

Though wanted by many Colts fans, Coleman was continually passed up team-after-team and round-after-round until the Falcons finally made the decision to pull on the Oak Park, Illinois with the 73rd pick (3rd round) in the 2015 NFL Draft.

As camp went on and news of an injury to Devonta Freeman reached Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan, the Hoosier alum edged closer to not only making the roster but fighting for the starting spot. After a week of work heading into the season opener, the Falcons released their depth chart – Tevin Coleman was and is the starter.

Last night, Coleman made his NFL debut for the Falcons in a 20-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, totaling 20 carries for 80 yards. Showing his strength, Coleman consistently fell forward and dragged the defense for extra yards – giving the OC Shanahan hope of his evolution throughout the season.

“Well, yeah but it’s only Week 1,” say those doubting him. True, it’s only week 1 – but if anything it’s almost more promising that @Teco_Raww had that kind of impact on his debut. In fact, according to ESPN Stats & Info, Coleman had a near record first start.

Coleman and the Falcons travel to MetLife Stadium next Sunday to face the New York Giants, and Hoosiers and Falcons fans alike will be hoping for a similar performance.

Check back to Ink on Indy for more NFL updates including that of former Hoosier Tevin Coleman.

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